As a new member of Toastmasters International, I decided to “Get on Board” and get exposure to the broader Toastmasters community that’s available to members like me. I was encouraged by my mentor and club officers to attend, and they took every advantage to fully submerge me in the experience. From carrying the banner for our club in the opening parade, to being a proxy delegate in the business meeting, and finally being a part of the dignitary parade for the final dinner and DTM ceremony, I got to fully experience the D25 Fall Conference. I was overwhelmed by the...

The keynote speakers were very good. I especially liked Claire Billingsley and Jim Key. Jim Key Claire Billingsley and Gary Samuelson I liked and learned from the two education sessions I attended given by Steve Hansen and David Hill. I was also able to spend some time with a first timer and new DTM. Each had only positive things to say about the convention. To summarize I achieved my objectives of meeting new people and learning while having some fun. Marylee Mims, Dean Lampman, Cindy Hinckley, and John Bergs John Bergs, DTMDistrict 25 Sergeant-at-Arms

Friday night’s Speech Evaluation Contest, WOW; it was obvious that the contestants as well as the test speaker “Packed Their Bags”! Our Toastmaster for the Speech Evaluation Contest, Travis Farral of Energizers Toastmasters Club, started our contest off in great form by briefing the crowd and then welcoming our Test Speaker to the stage so our contestants would have someone to evaluate. Travis Farral and Elaine Scholly Our Test Speaker Elaine Scholly (Big D Toastmasters, District 50) enlightened us with her speech, “What Do We See”, which gave us an insight into the world behind the advertisements we see. Her...

The Fall 2013 district conference is now a part of history.  I hope you were one of the passengers who participated  in the conference. The weekend provided me with many wonderful memories to add to the “patchwork” quilt of my Toastmaster Journey.  I am glad I “Got on Board”.  The more eager one is to investigate and absorb the things around them, the richer the journey.  The conference weekend was full of education, speeches, inspiration, friends, and fun. I plan to continue on another Toastmasters journey by attending the spring conference (May 2-3) where we will be “Riding the Wave”. ...

For the past few months, I’ve been working with an incredible group of dedicated “servant leaders” chairing District 25’s Fall 2013 Conference Committee. “Servant leadership” is a concept that was introduced to me by Bonne Stroman, one of my mentors. In many of my past career positions I considered myself a good manager, but not a leader. I thought a leader was all about power. My definition of leadership changed when I joined Toastmasters. Bonne taught me that the true “servant leader” is always focused on the growth and well-being of those around him. I feel this is exactly what...

Susan Gardner, Chuck Mencke, and Jim Key I’m home relaxing after another fun and successful District 25 conference! Charles Roy Mencke, Conference Chair, led a fabulous team. I took on two exciting and challenging roles – being Jim Key’s educational session assistant Saturday morning and the DTM Ceremony Chair Saturday evening. Working with Jim Key was a real thrill. I’ve known Jim for several years and as a District leader you really enjoy having him speak in your District. This time I got to watch the club members learn so much from Jim and take away a message that will...